Exploring Alaska on Four Wheels – Where to Go
A vast (sub)arctic state, rightly referred to as the “Last Frontier”, Alaska is a marvelously beautiful place. Home to glaciers and fjords, towering mountain ranges and tundra, thick forests and valleys, it is easily the wildest of all American states. Even though much of it is super-remote, there are still these top 5 Alaska scenic drives you can do when exploring Alaska on 4 wheels with a rV or motorhome rental.
Top 5 Alaska Scenic Drives
A road trip in Alaska is one of the greatest travel experiences you can have in North America. No matter which of these scenic drives in Alaska you should, you’ll be amid spectacular scenery and have a good chance of spotting iconic wildlife.
The best starting point for our top 5 Alaska scenic drives is Anchorage, which is near three phenomenal national parks, as well as several other nature reserves. Each of these drives has its own character, while side roads always offer a more in-depth and off-the-beaten-path experience. So, rent a car or motorhome in Anchorage and hit the road!
5. Skilak Lake Road
An 18-mile gravel road on the Kenai Peninsula, the Skilak Lake Road is the most remote and rough of these top 5 Alaska scenic drives near Anchorage. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you go, as weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. On a good day, this is a spectacular drive through thick spruce and birch forests. Because it’s relatively remote, it’s perfect for wildlife watching, quiet camping and peaceful fishing.
4. Eklutna Lake Scenic Drive
Less than an hour by car from Anchorage, the wonderful Eklutna Lake Scenic Drive is 22 miles long and leads into gorgeous Chugach State Park, one of America’s greatest state parks. The road runs along the Eklutna River toward shimmering, glacial Eklutna Lake. Pitch a tent near the lake’s northern shore and lace up your boots for a day or two of world-class hiking.
3. Denali Park Road
The Denali Park Road is 92 miles long, but note that only the first 15 miles are accessible by private car. So, to explore glorious Denali National Park further, you’ll have to take the hop-on hop-off shuttle bus. This does qualify this road as a scenic drive, though! Note that full-day bus tours cover the road’s entire length only in summer. Sit back, relax and watch the mountains roll by, while always keeping your eyes peeled for bears, moose and caribou. This is, after, one of the best American national park for wildlife watching.
2. Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive
The Hatcher Pass Scenic Drive makes for a superb three-hour roundtrip from Anchorage. About 22 miles of it is gravel, though, so make sure you get a sturdier rental car. The road across the pass is only open in summer, and you will need a high-clearance vehicle to safe traverse it. Travelers with regular cars can still get to the top of the pass, though, to explore gold mining history, do some hiking, and watch for wildlife.
1. Seward Highway
Arguably the greatest of all scenic drives in Alaska, the Seward Highway runs from Anchorage southward to Seward, a popular seaside town. The road takes you along the stunning shores of the Turnagain Arm and underneath the towering summits of the Chugach Mountains. On the way, there are myriad historic, cultural and natural sites worth stopping at. Seward, the end point of this glorious road, is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, another premier wildlife watching destination in Alaska.
If you’re visiting Anchorage and are looking for the most scenic drives in Alaska, these are five awesome suggestions. They’ll take you to and through some of the state’s most iconic landscapes and parks.